A hot-button issue that has been the topic of conversation among many across the nation is the subject of arming teachers in our schools. While many assert that the expectation for a school teacher to carry the burden of wielding a firearm in the classroom is too great, others suggest that it could be the difference in saving the lives of innocent children in the event of a school shooting.

We’ve decided to dig in a little deeper and look at the pros and cons for arming teachers.

The argument against arming teachers

Ultimately, much the of issue being taken with this subject is in the wording itself. As responsible firearm owners and professionals we spend a great deal of our time discussing the importance of being ready to possess a firearm, and being willing to accept responsibility of it.

Our country’s educators, from preschool to our nation’s universities, represent a vast spectrum of individuals from different walks of life, all with various beliefs. To suggest we arm any individual who has no desire to possess a firearm, or worse, strongly opposes them, is on par with forcing responsible gun owners to relinquish their firearms. Either way, it’s short-sighted and likely to make things worse.

Furthermore, it’s well known that our public school teachers are, on average, overworked and underpaid. They often pay out of their own pockets for classroom supplies. To pile on the additional role of armed security guard is just asking for trouble. What happens the first time a kindergarten teacher misses an active shooter and kills innocent students? It’s not the responsible option.

The argument for arming trained professionals in schools

Unfortunately, we live in a time where school shootings are showing no sign of slowing down. However, it’s going to take more than metal detectors to keep our children safe. In many cases in school shootings, the shooter wasn’t an enrolled student at the school. So, while innocent students march through metal detectors each morning, wearing transparent backpacks, and feeling like they’re in a prison, it’s the outsider shooter who arrives after the students are in school that dodges detection.

Here is where armed, trained, security professionals would provide a barrier between the shooter and the children inside the school. The prospect of coming face-to-face with a trained arm guard would likely be enough to deter most from attempting a school shooting, while those that insisted on taking the risk would be met by an imposing force.

Logistically, we are not talking about an easy task. Hiring and training these armed professionals would add significant expense to our nation’s school district budget; a fact that is likely to concern taxpayers.